Synopsis On 02 August 1994, the bulk carriers RIXTA OLDENDORFF and ALGONORTH were in transit in the Canal de Beauharnois section of the Seaway. The ALGONORTH swung to port and yawed toward the downbound RIXTA OLDENDORFF while taking action to come back on course. The two vessels were in a collision situation. Evasive action was taken, but it was not sufficient to avert the collision. Both vessels sustained minor damage, but no injury or pollution was reported as a result of the occurrence. Factual Information Name ALGONORTH RIXTA OLDENDORFF Port of Registry Sault Ste.Marie Hong Kong Propulsion Two diesel engines One diesel engine Owners Algoma Central Egon Oldendorff At or about 0812(1), the RIXTA OLDENDORFF, downbound for Sorel, Quebec, under the conduct of a pilot with a cargo of bentonite, started to pass under the Valleyfield, Quebec, lift bridge. She was proceeding along the south shore at an average speed over the ground of 8.8knots. At approximately 0814, the ALGONORTH, bound for Hamilton, Ontario, with a load of iron ore, passed under the Saint-Louis lift bridge at an average speed over the ground of 7knots. In the approaches to buoy C22, the officer in charge of piloting the ALGONORTH ordered a course of 265.5true(T). Shortly thereafter, the assistant officer informed the officer in charge of piloting the vessel that the course being followed was incorrect. Heavy rain was falling at the time, reducing visibility to almost zero. The master came up on the bridge and learned of the developing situation. A few moments later, red buoy C24 appeared on the port bow of the ALGONORTH; the order was given to take evasive action, and the helm was put hard a port. The personnel on the bridge saw the RIXTA OLDENDORFF close to on the starboard bow. The ALGONORTH contacted the RIXTA OLDENDORFF and, with two blasts of the whistle, asked for a starboard-to-starboard passing, but the RIXTA OLDENDORFF had already put her main engine to full astern to avert the collision. The master of the ALGONORTH put the main engine to astern to reduce the vessel's speed and lessen the force of the impact between the two vessels. Despite this evasive action, however, collision was inevitable between the two vessels; the starboard bow of the RIXTA OLDENDORFF struck the starboard side of the ALGONORTH.